I Quit Posting My Photos on Social Media… And It’s Changed Everything

[@Milehousestudios]

Thank you for the shout out brother. This was actually a very relevant and interesting video. My first year of KZbin is turning out to be a rollercoaster lesson in similar areas. On a side note, I should watch your channels more than most.... My camera knowledge is appalling 😂 I'll go deep. X

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha! Chuffed to bits to hear from you, mate. I'm pretty sure you're knowledge would benefit me too. Love your channel......lets keep in touch!

[@Milehousestudios]

@Firstmanphotography absolutely. 👍

[@duncanwallace7760]

Well said. I only put my photos on Flickr and while they're never going to get massive views, it doesn't mess up your images and the people who look at them tend to appreciate photography. Even then, my target audience is myself, because I realised ages ago that no-one really cares about my photography, but it gives me a great sense of achievement. I deleted my Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal and have not missed it for a second. I don't have Twitter either and never look at instagram. KZbin I like because of the genuineness of the content creators and how much you can learn from watching their videos.

[@radharcanna]

I get what you say about no-one caring about your photography but surely it’s nice to have some people see your work and to have feedback. What’s the point of it otherwise?

[@chesterjohnson4504]

So True. I have done the same. I am enjoying KZbin videos regarding photography in general not so much the hyped up camera and equipment videos. If I had not watched so many reviews of cameras I would still be using my Nikon DSLR system and could have saved thousands of dollars and my images would still be looking as good as those made with the ML camera and new lenses.

[@pleclere]

I, too, still post on Flickr. It was great in the past when people also posted texts under the pictures that could be funny, poems, ... . Then, the update of the website so people see almost exclusively pictures and people become saturated with too many pictures without content. Further, the membership cost should be lower so more people may return. Next year, I'm "celebrating" 20 years of Flickr. I hope it will continue so I can review my pictures when I become too old to take them.

[@paynescaping8957]

@@radharcanna in my case. my photography is for me, not for other people

[@sonersabirli8172]

I miss the early days of digital photography, with lots of great dedicated c&c websites and forums for photography chat and discussions. That are all killed by social media.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Me too. I'm hopeful that can exist again. I'm convinced it was the algos that killed it.

[@DigitalImageStudio]

@@Firstmanphotography Greed kills most good things ultimately.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@sonersabirli8172 we have freedom of choice. We can make it better again.

[@BenniOSM]

@@Firstmanphotography for me that place is mastodon/pixelfed. No algorithms, just content and you build your feed the way you want it by for example following hashtags (it actually works compared to insta)

[@seabiped3451]

I remember joining a few photography forums , they were informative and genuine, one was called Steve’s Digicams, a great community no videos, just chats and great advice. Miss the early internet days.

[@sara505sings]

Another good thing to do is to make a small book your best photos and carry it with you in your backpack or pocketbook, whatever, and engage with people in person, and show them your work and have a face-to-face conversation. On the street or in the coffee shop or when people see you with a camera and want to know what you're doing.

[@arneheeringa96]

That's Daniel Milnors tip, which I will follow soon

[@Tstratman92]

You really hit the nail on the head with this one. I have been so frustrated lately with my edits and not feeling good about the end results. But what I realized was that when I took away the pressure of trying to mold my photos to the social media "constraints"" I actually do feel proud of the photos I've taken and edited. This video reminded me I couldn't care less about the platforms and what I really care about is seeing work I'm happy with, even if that means sharing it with less people.

[@Firstmanphotography]

The external pressures can certainly detract from our creative process.

[@willyonamountain]

When I realized I got more enjoyment from messaging photos to my mom than I got from IG... I knew it was time to take a step back hahah

[@nickxask3303]

@@willyonamountain photos taken with love have to be shared and accepted with love by loved persons. Whatever the level of photos..

[@reijer.k]

I could not agree more. I recently moved my portfolio away from Instagram as well, focusing more on my website and KZbin. It feels like a massive weight off my shoulders, not having to mold my workflow to instagram's terms.

[@BenniOSM]

Same. I'm now self hosting a pixelfed instance and interaction is so much better then it ever had been on insta

[@davidherrington5735]

ADAM I couldn’t agree more, I stopped using Facebook 6 years ago because I thought mistakenly that I could stay in touch with friends. I found myself doing the same thing night after night, going down the rabbit hole and achieving nothing especially staying in touch with friends. Rather than social media I believe that it is a form of anti social media, with people who don’t know how to modulate their anger and reasoning. You are a voice that will be listened to, I will continue to follow your journey. Good luck.

[@mc5869]

100% agreed.

[@johncameron6853]

Spot on Adam, ì left social media completely almost 3 years ago now and I've never felt better. Not having to check every two minutes to see if anyone has left a like or a message or mentioned me in something has done me the world of good especially when you know that 99.9%of the rubbish on there is lies and exaggerations. Keep up the good work my friend and stay healthy. 👍😎

[@Andy1805-y8w]

I now greatly limit my time on social media; essentially just some time in the morning and evening. As you say, 99.9% of it is just lies and exaggerations. So much of social media (and mainstream media, too) is simply an open sewer for your mind.

[@David-r2j3m]

After nearly 40 years as a portrait photographer, I am moving to food photography and I am NOT doing any social media, just a web site, business cards and my feet to get out there. It may fail but I am honestly done with social media.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@David-r2j3m I agree with your decision.

[@TheUrban.Camper]

👌

[@chasinglightandtrails]

I completely agree with your points raised and how you are feeling. Those platforms are “not deserving of your time or energy” as you say. Spot on! Keep up the great work and keep inspiring. Thanks.

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

I know it’s only Halloween tomorrow but this video is spooky!! I’ve spent the past few months going over what your talking about and right now I’m making my squarespace site for the many reasons you talk about! A huge privilege to see my work featured, and our outings pop up, humble and thankful. Sithee soon! 💜

[@Firstmanphotography]

If you're reading this....Mali is a legend you should immediately subscribe to his channel.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Great video. Glad you didn't quit KZbin 👍

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks, mate. Feel like this has pretty much been your tactics all along!!

[@HalMoran]

Thanks for sharing, Adam, and congrats for recognizing the realities of social media. Glad to see you prioritizing your energies and time. As a converted landscape to bird photographer during covid I used to post to IG but quit. I do have a website and FB account. I shoot because I love bird photography and it's therapy for me, and I share for one reason. A woman contacted me a few years ago and said, "I can't get outside any more and enjoy nature due to stage 4 cancer, so I live vicariously through your bird photos." That note along with many others like it is the reason I share. I enjoy your thoughts and channel. All the best to your future. With grace, Hal

[@stephanadelwolmarans7533]

Hi Adam, I left FB years ago. The biggest gift in life is life itself. We are so blessed to wake up and be alive every day, and I am thankful for it. Money...... I believe money can buy us everything, but there are two things money can not buy. Ever thought about it? 1. TIME 2. HEALTH. 1. We waste so many TIME on crap. TIME wasted is TIME gone. We must live our passion and do what we love. 2. If we are TERMINAL ILL, we can have more money than Elon Musk, we will not make it. Make memories and treasure Time with our loved ones AND LOVE LIFE.

[@seabiped3451]

I tend to disagree, I’ve worked virtually full time for the last 40 years as an educator, I have had passions to be be an artist, photographer but alas they have been in the background as a hobby. Money can create time for yourself, money can improve your health with better health choices if things go astray, reality,you can’t do much without a comfortable bit of wealth. Don’t believe me, go and ask a few of the occupants that live in third world counties that live in absolute squalid conditions, you may get a different perspective.

[@stephanadelwolmarans7533]

@@seabiped3451 I understand what you are saying and meaning. I respect totaly what you said. Thanks man.😎

[@timbo8917]

Completely agree with this, pretty much stopped posting on insta also getting fed up of not seeing the pictures of the people I follow but others they think I should see & follow

[@arneheeringa96]

With Instagram at least you can turn off suggestions & adds, but it'll not work for stories. Unfortunately you have to do it each time: Click the top left 'for you' and change it to 'followed'.

[@gemmahumphrisphotography]

I've been wanting to quit social media for a while but the one thing stopping me was that it's where I post my photography. You've just given me the motivation I needed to actually do it! Thank you

[@photobillyexplores]

you are absolutely spot on and ironically ive found your YT in my preparation to enter KZbin to connect with people personally and exile my social media platforms... i would be so happy if i find half as much positivity and energy you found dropping said platforms. i want my hobby back. Billy

[@PerPolar]

I did the same back in january and have not looked back. I feel that I have improved more as a photographer in the last year than in the previous 9-10 years. I have fallen in love with photography again and feel a emotional connection to my photography again.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Lovely!!

[@WanderingMick]

My guy… this was the last straw for me to finally boot X and IG. Great video!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Glad to be of service

[@NinjaFingersGames]

This is a great watch and I'm gonna stick around to see .ore of your work. The shots in this video are off the hook insane ❤

[@samuelchambers5]

Awesome and inspiring thoughts. Precisely my thinking. I have not posted any of my photos on social media, and refuse to ever make use of Twitter or X due to their content. Glad I found your vlog and am subscribing now. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts about photography in general. Great job, great presentation.

[@scrumpyhead2000]

I've been following you since the very beginning and if you stopped posting I'd really miss it. You have been my inspiration in photography. No joke.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Means a lot, thanks.

[@nerwin]

It's true. Social media isn't what it used to be. I stopped using it myself months ago, it was mentally exhausting for me. So much negativity and the constant bombardment with advertisements and stupid short videos, I had enough of it. I felt like my photography wasn't even being seen anymore. For a long time I felt pressured to share my photos and to be active on the platforms when a lot of the time, I just didn't want to. It was draining. Since quitting social media, I realized I was super burned out. I rarely even take photos anymore. Social media has ruined my enjoyment in the hobby and so I figured the best thing to do is to step away from it and give myself permission to do whatever I want, not what social media wants. I may not take photos as much anymore but I do very much still enjoy photography and occasionally shoot film just for myself. I would like to get into printing and making my own frames too, that would be fun.

[@davidpossien3061]

Like the constant bombardment of ads embedded in this video? Face it. Ads are everywhere. You are the product.

[@lindaschiano1967]

Thank you for your excellent advice! I’m thinking of going off Instagram, everytime I post a photo I just get very few likes. It’s discouraging. Good luck in everything 😊

[@Firstmanphotography]

I apply the 'rule of one' to any situation like this.......if one person likes it, then others definitely will too......after that the numbers are just the numbers.....just keep creating your thing.

[@nelsonvazchillout]

You truly inspire me. And you hit all the right spots in this video. Can’t thank you enough for being so genuine, keep it up, we all as a community have to thank you. Hands up! Quick one: how do you feel about Vero?

[@Firstmanphotography]

I've dabbled. it's definitely better but it's still centralised and will likely follow the same path if they grow bigger.

[@KeinBierVorVierAlter]

With all the positive things others have said (i am also quitting X now) i would like to point out how nice it is to mark the ad section of your video in the timeline, thus making it easier to skip. Thank you for your honest thoughts! They resonate.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks so much

[@melstave3920]

Appreciate your integrity and dedication to photography and willingness to share your creativity. Thank you.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Appreciate that! I try my best

[@luismartins3262]

I quit IG in 2018 when I noticed the quality of my photos decreasing considerably. I could tell that I was taking the pictures I thought others wanted to see instead of taking the pictures that interested me. Luckily, I feel the quality has gone back up, although it still took about a year for that to happen. But, I'm not gonna lie, every now and then I still feel the urge to start again, as I want to share my images with others.

[@simonwilliams2109]

Good on ya! KZbin is as far as I go down the rabbit hole.

[@mattbibbings]

I only post to Vero. It is a non-addictive platform with no algorithm full of passionate and talented photographers.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Yeah i've dabbled.

[@mamertobernal4460]

I tried Vero but found the interface clunky maybe I should give it another try

[@johnchedsey1306]

Glad you chose to still make videos. I enjoy checking them out from time to time because they're just about good photography and you're not yelling at us about gear specs. Thanks for the nostr tip. I'm close to ditching Instagram (keep my account, but delete the app and maybe log in on the web once in awhile to answer messages). Because I have my account locked down a bit so only my followers can comment, I noticed my engagement dropped because I didn't want spambots commenting on every photo. Just an awful experience. As for Twitter, I deleted mine the moment Musk said he wanted to buy it. I knew it was going to become a worse hellscape and he definitely delivered!

[@kevinmorgan4211]

So very true and enlightening... the amount of unsolicited notifications and ads and suggestions , when all I want to do is view the work of the people I have chosen to follow... I only use fb and instagram along with threads but I really do need to STOP... thanks for the video Adam. Thought provoking indeed...

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

You made some very good points Adam and given me some ideas of where to go. X is using far too much of my energy and find myself getting wrapped up in negativity. It does however keep me amused which is helped by my not too serious approach to things. 1st thing for me… give my website renewed energy! Cheers !

[@csayban]

So well said. The only reason I even had instagram was so my five boys could see what I was doing but I never really look at it. Might be time to ditch it.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Showing my kids my work, is one of my favourite things and they give me excellent feedback.

[@chriswarren8478]

Great video, it made so much sense, it was something that I needed to hear and act on. Good knowing that I am not the only one. Time to get back to the website, and post my pictures how I like.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karencornfield8522]

I absolutely loved this information. It was very informative. Will follow, thank you 🙂

[@colinjoyceart]

Like others have commented, I also stopped posting to FB and Instagram at the start of this year and left twitter long before. Total waste of time as so few friends were allowed to see the posts anyway. I do feel KZbin gives a true connection however and provides genuine value. Keep up the excellent work Adam.

[@richardlynam2007]

Really great video, its been a while since I checked in with you, but I fully agree with all you had to say about social media. I will defo be tuning in to watch your video on framing, looking forward to it. Great stuff.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Welcome back!

[@Twobarpsi]

The only social media I have is KZbin. I do not have cable tv. I watch videos from my subscriptions that I have tailored to my liking, such as photography. I have ZERO interest in other social sites, or posting my pictures for likes. You are doing it right, mate. Cheers!

[@scotty4418]

First up, a massive thanks for the feature in your video Adam, it really means a lot and Im truly humbled by your very kind inclusion. I figured you had stepped back a bit with the absence of your postings and can't dispute your decision. I find the enthusiasm to post on X to be at an all time low and can see me becoming totally detached from it as your spot on, being on there then diverts valuable time away from the creative end of photography. I still enjoy instagram as I find there is more engagement for me personally and still enjoy the conversations through the messaging side of the app. Creating my website was the best decision I made as not only did it enable me to learn more about website creation but it also motivates me to keep sharing my work and also be creative in other areas such as blogging. I like the sound of the app you mentioned so will definitely have a look at it, as there is a clear need for something that unshackles us from all the constraints you discussed today. Glad to see you remaining on YT as it would be a loss if you decided to hang up your spurs here

[@Firstmanphotography]

Cheers Jim. It was a pleasure to share your website....and a very easy choice for me to do so.....your work is exceptional.

[@sarahneedham]

I've never used twitter or Instagram and have no intention to. Please stay on here though as I love your channel ❤

[@davidfry5824]

I truly appreciate this particular video more than I can adequately express. It resonates on so many levels, capturing emotions and insights that feel deeply personal. The way it presents its message-through visuals, storytelling, and gorgeous photography-creates an immersive experience that draws you in and encourages reflection. There’s something incredibly powerful about the themes explored in the video, whether they touch on love, growth, or the beauty of everyday moments. It reminds us of the importance of connection and the shared human experience. Watching it feels like a conversation with a friend, prompting us to think about our own lives and the world around us. I find myself revisiting this video, discovering new nuances each time. It captures feelings that can be hard to articulate, and it’s comforting to know that others may feel the same way. This kind of content can truly inspire and uplift, making us feel more connected to others and reinforcing our own journey. I'm grateful for the creativity and effort that went into producing such a meaningful piece. It’s a reminder of the impact that art and storytelling can have on our lives. Thank you!

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Definitely hit the nail on the head Adam, it’s all about making rich people richer. Instagram is full of so much advertising, 99.9% of no interest to me. Glad you are still appearing on KZbin. Much appreciated.

[@DavidSkelhon]

I hear you loud and clear, and you are absolutely right that there has to be a better way forward for photographers. The social media companies make way more money from us than we will using their platforms. Even worse, we are effectively selling our souls. I will be checking out some of the alternatives you suggested. Thank you for stepping out of the box and saying what needs to be said!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Cheers, David.

[@chesterjohnson4504]

Very thought provoking. I make photos and go out with my camera for the fun of it. I have been using Flickr for years to store my images on and to share with family and friends. Funny thing no one really looks or cares to look at my modest attempts of sharing my experiences and the sights I have captured. I do make calendars, books and prints for gifts and everyone I make such gifts for seems to really enjoy them. Feedback is nice and can keep one motivated to enjoy the "hobby." I enjoy looking at the works of others on Flickr but even that can become addictive. I have the idea that Square Space is more for those wanting to become pro's and sell their works of art and maybe not for the mere serious hobbyist. I could be wrong?

[@nickxask3303]

I 'm trying to convince my self that "feedback is nice" but...I have hard time. Even when feedback is positive.

[@chesterjohnson4504]

@@nickxask3303 Fully understand.

[@thedannyjenkinsman]

Awesome man, I love your honesty and Integrity as much as your photography. Having values means somethings...Inspiring...

[@Westmoreland348]

The Social media "Like" button is probably one of the greatest single causes of human unhappiness in the western world, it feeds our narcissistic tendencies, making us crave shallow recognition for a debased reproduction of our work. In future I will be enjoying quality photography channels and viewing real tangible prints of my work and others in galleries rather than scrolling on a smart phone. I think this is one of your best videos Adam and although not specifically a photography adventure was extremely helpful. I've now deleted my Instagram account!!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. I should be back outside again soon.

[@arnoutrebel1732]

Brilliant video. I appreciate your new approach to social media.

[@kreygscott]

Absolutely loved the video Adam. Couldn't have said it any better. You've hit the nail on the socail head.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha! Thanks.

[@arthurmee]

I very much share your views about the way social media has developed over the years. Well said. When I last had a business as a bespoke furniture maker online, the website was King. Social media was in its infancy and pretty innocuous. I was in charge of my own online presence. Even then it was necessary to optimise one's website to get a good presence in the search results and didn't demand compromising one's own website content.

[@BR-uz9nj]

I use Instagram to connect with distant family members and friends. Other than that there is nothing there for me. I would rather explore the world than my phone.

[@peteb5461]

Glad it wasnt the last video ;) Im in the process of doing the same by taking a break from something that quite honestly just detracts not just from my photography but generally in life... I think mentally we're not 'programmed' to deal with that much continual information in our heads... See how that goes ;)

[@Firstmanphotography]

Totally agree.....especially if it's opinions.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Just stumbled across your video and added it to my morning queue... I watch more KZbin than TV, so I hope you don't give up on TY... Leading into this video coming on the TV, I was rethinking how to use Social Media, or possibly exchanging contact info with a select group of people from FB and leaving social behind all together... Thanks for this video! Cheers

[@AndyBanner]

Yep. I have slowed down and mostly stopped using FB. Never used Twitter anyway and never put much much stead in Instagram. I was addicted to FB though and withdrawal has been a bit difficult, but regaining the lost time is worth the "pain".

[@Firstmanphotography]

Definitely sounds like the right move. I sacked off Facey B years ago.

[@pjmixer]

I like what you’re saying. So much, I’m on the Nostr path. But I’m puzzled on finding like-minded people and you.

[@antonoat]

Folks need to stop craving recognition from social media, subjecting oneself to scrutiny and judgement from those who may not even appreciate art in the first place is, literally a hiding to nothing! I’m really surprised Adam that you and others like you don’t understand this, thankfully you’ve now realised these things, best of luck moving forward!

[@BarryHull]

Adam, this is off-topic from this video, but primarily because of you, I bought the new Canon Pro-1100 and started printing my work. I've wanted to do this for years and finally did it. Thanks for the push. My family and friends LOVE getting a framed high-quality print. My mom cried when I gave her a 17X22 print of my dad, who died about twenty years ago. Thanks again, Adam. I should have done this years ago! Thumbs up.

[@rickcooper5277]

I truly understand where you’re coming from, I too left social media except for KZbin. I love watching and listening to great photographers like yourself.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that

[@Ramblingdads]

Nice one… I’m heading that way with social media… one step was to name the group the are all in on my iPhone as ‘mindless apps’ Looking forward to the exhibition!📸

[@Firstmanphotography]

Moving the apps on the home screen started the process for me.

[@AnthonyCummins-o9b]

Totally agree. I recently went to a story telling at a Native American presentation here in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and they asked everyone to not film or take pictures. The reasoning they gave is that the stories they were going to tell are THEIR stories to tell. You can’t repost them and make them your stories. If you want to hear their stories you have to come hear it from them. I found that really interesting and made me rethink posting my photos ( which I consider my stories) to social media, which I have quit doing. I have adopted their philosophy and now view my photos as my stories to tell. If someone wants to see my photos (hear my stories) they have to come to me. I’m not giving my stories to Instagram or other social media ever again. My photos (stories) may only be seen by friends and family now but I feel better about it that way.

[@robertwhite-photography]

I agree Adam. I got of Twitter back when it was still twitter... I too have a square space website and you've encouraged me to go give it a refresh and post more there. Thanks, and Cheers from Texas.

[@boatman222345]

I totally agree with your assessment of social media. I just said to my wife today that after having posted nearly 1,000 images on Facebook it's become a rather pointless exercise to me. My trouble isI live in a rural area and have no friends or relatives that have any interest in photography whatever. I am somehow going to have to accept that in reality "I" am my best audience and be satisfied with it.

[@richardtoft6998]

Absolutely right. It is time we take back control of our lives and photography. There are two A words I am so tired of hearing about: Algorithms and AI

[@Firstmanphotography]

Me too.....although i don't think theyre going back in the bottle.

[@davidharveyvideo]

Thanks for the advice. I have square space too and I like it. Some social media can be a time suck for sure and many times not with our best interest at hand. Great photos and great video!

[@andredavies6191]

Completely agree with you Instagram for sure is the worst for sharing photos I now print my photos and keep them in a photo album book as I prefer to actually look at a physical copy than online.

[@karlaston3491]

I love this. You vocalise a lot of what the rest of us think about social media and generally just speak common sense. You also know how to use a camera!

[@pmoray]

Awesome video, dude! Agree with your rant. I don’t post much on Instagram anyway, and stay away from the negativity fo X. Need to get my website going. All the best!

[@bjorn8854]

yes yes yes exhibition!! Your photos are so beautiful 😍

[@alzibaba]

Very well said. Social media is good for a few things, but I think it's also responsible for a degradation of discernment for art, plus eating up far too much of our time. I do still enjoy KZbin though, but I'll be following your lead with other common platforms. I do find Vero pretty good for photography though. It attracts a very different crowd, and it's got me connected with some interesting DPs and Art directors via stuff I've posted on it.

[@APSPhotoJourney]

Nothing to say except that I agree with you 100%. Social networks destroy joy in everything by simple comparison of results. And not only in photography, but in all aspects of life: any hobby, our reality and even our body. There are much better sources of information and learning than social networks can provide us. Cheers from Spain mate!

[@normansuchorzewski1026]

Thanks for this - Apart from Facebook, where I keep in touch with real friends, and watching KZbin, I stay off social media, too much false garbage on there. I will give Nostar a viewing and currently putting together my website and will hopefully get it finished by next week. Thanks for your honesty and saying it as it is - All the best and thank you.

[@GrandadsReviews]

I don’t normally comment on videos but in this case I totally agree with you and have done a similar thing by not posting or using social media to post my images which has benefited myself and allowed me to start to focus more on my KZbin photography channel but you have also reminded me to update my own website.

[@sandyknight3910]

Such a valid video. Social media started off being really positive, but its such a destructive medium now...

[@Firstmanphotography]

Totally agree, and that has been my exact experience of it.

[@danielolivier2063]

Hi Adam, 100% agree and good for you. I enjoy your videos as it helps me in my own photography and I have learnt a lot from you. Even if your videos were not on KZbin I would still watch them at your website. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Daniel. I'm incredibly proud of my website and it's a big part of not relying on one platform alone, including KZbin.

[@simonevans876]

Very well said, Adam! Social media is a different beast to what it once was. It's all about data farming now and it's shocking how much personal information we're willing to feed it. I'd love to see a surge in local camera clubs where photographers can enjoy genuine interactions and engagement.

[@Firstmanphotography]

I've had very mixed experiences with camera clubs. A few really good ones, many out of touch.

[@randyschwager84]

As usual, you are spot on Target! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Morgan-o2q]

You are such a wonderful man. Thank you very much for all the goodness you bring to us all. Much Loves ….

[@Firstmanphotography]

Stop it!! 😊

[@Morgan-o2q]

@@Firstmanphotography Hah - Nah, go on. Please, go on! LOL. Love you. You are truly the best!

[@johndouglas1343]

Completely agree. There was a quiet voice in my head that struggled to articulate what you have set out in your video. My Insta photography account was, a constant source of stress, from being forced into a, square crop, to feeding views. Time to bin the lot. Thank you for posting and for so accurately describing what I intuitively knew, but couldn't put into words.

[@alexelley6283]

I have been a amateur photographer for a number of years, photographing, Landscapes, Street Photography, Macro, etc, and purely on a novice level. Never thought of putting my photo's on social Media, downloaded Facebook and I lasted 15 minutes before deciding this was not for me. I take photo's that I like and if I think they would look good printed, then I print them out on my Canon Pro10s, as you say nothing like holding the print in your hands and thinking I took this photo. love the content of your videos, thank you for sharing.

[@EdwardKilner]

You listed a bunch of benefits you received when stopping social media posting. I want those too! At 79, I need every one of them way more than you do! Alas, I can’t remember the last time I used social media, nor posted a photo. Thanks anyway. Good video. 🇨🇦

[@Firstmanphotography]

I've been trying to live my life like its my last day, for many years now.

[@EdwardKilner]

@@Firstmanphotography Yes, I try to. Am enjoying my Pocket 3 more than my Nikon these days. Video editing has a steep learning curve

[@ambientform]

Fantastic video! Thank you for your honesty on the topic.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks so much.

[@craigbrockway652]

Hello Adam, well said and presented, I fully agree and appreciate your insights.

[@iphoneography]

Don't be naïve and believe these platforms aren't scraping content from elsewhere, such as your website. If you don't give it to them, they'll get it some other way.

[@Firstmanphotography]

That's definitely the case with Ai. I think there will be some interesting copyright test cases in the future. Like I said, the assault on our privacy and data should be resisted. Problem is, the convenience trade off often wins people over - for example.....I am a prisoner of Adobe.

[@iphoneography]

@@Firstmanphotography 100%

[@bbawalan]

I had been contemplating about should I continue posting in my instagram about my photography, in terms of audience I am barely known, given the fact that one of the selling part is for you to become well known in any other social platforms, some times it gets me for not having enough views or any likes, but, after watching your video it gives me a different point of view of where should I actually focus and develop. As you mention about algorithms, I agree that social media platforms do tend to ruin your photo. It is not meant to upload high end quality photos.

[@davidgilmore2565]

Good on you Adam. Re-inspired to just go out and make images. Thanks for you passion and dedication to the art form. D

[@brianbracherphotography]

I really felt what you said, and I realise that I have ignored my website for Instagram. I have been using Facebook more recently with groups that are focussed around the hobby side of my photography, and I have found that much more enjoyable than instagram. Certainly some thinking and soul searching to do on where I want to focus my time. Some of that time will be spent watching more of your videos as you now have a new subscriber!

[@FabienMathey]

Thanks for the video! Great news! I closed all my Social Media with the exception of KZbin a couple of years ago. I am much happier, less stressed and a lot more free. I also stopped posting any images years ago as I now only print. My advantage is that this is my hobby, not my profession. Again, much happier without those random, negative comments!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Great move

[@julianrobertson3303]

Well said & congratulations with your new avenues .

[@MattPayne]

Right on. A few thoughts after watching... You say social media is bad because it shows you stuff you don't want to or need to see. My counter point: you can control that easily by only looking at "following" instead of "for you." You say X is using our photos to train its AI, so we shouldn't use the platform. YES, I agree that we should weigh that against any positive outcomes, like selling a print from your post (which I did just this week). You say staying off social media makes you feel better and increases your attention span. I agree 100% with both statements. You say posting still images won’t grow your following on Instagram. Mostly true, but not entirely. It's certainly not going to grow very quickly, but it can grow. You say there are way better ways to spend your time than scrolling social media. Hell yeah, right on. Agreed. You say focusing less on social media frees up time and attention for other activities like creating videos for KZbin. Agreed, but still feeding the same beast, aren't we? You say we should update our websites with our recent work and view other people's work on their websites. Absolutely. I've spent about 200 hours this month doing just that. Solid video, Adam.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha yeah. I'm now only feeding one beast, instead of three. Pretty sure this has helped clear the burnout. In regards, for you/following - I was finding it automatically switched over to "for you". This was particularly the case when opening the app.....and I didnt always notice because "for you" still mixed in some of the people i follow.

[@MattPayne]

@@Firstmanphotography Makes sense. I'm just glad to see people pushing back against Social Media. I do think like anything else, how you use it is really important.

[@johncoleman1935]

Good!!!, never did Twitter. Instagram for a bit but seemed like a rabbit hole and stopped. Just so many hours in the day for things I wanted/needed to do. Glad you can focus more on the things that matter to you. Take care.

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

I stopped posting on Facebook years ago it was a complete waste of my time, II only post on Instagram just to let my friends know I’m still alive . LOL

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha!

[@mondohand71]

😂

[@TheUrban.Camper]

KZbin is my only form of media, I have not watched or owned TV in about 15 years. Although I am only two weeks into learning how to take photos, I love it so much. I post only on my youtube channel and 💯 agree with everything you talked about. Even before getting into photography, I had no interest in viewing what social media offers. KZbin has been by far the best platform for all you need. Great video. New sub

[@melvinshuster]

Great video! Very thoughtful. Thanks for posting. Best wishes.

[@nevpeach]

Great video, will touch a nerve with many of us and lets hope we find a way to overcome the money grabbing corporations and dangerous algorithms

[@Firstmanphotography]

With Nostr, people are working on algorithms that users can control themselves......so basically you will be able to tailor the experience to your exact requirements. I think it's a very exciting prospect.

[@PaulSaxbyPhotography]

I totally agree. Social media has become a place where it’s acceptable to insult and abuse, not something I want to be a part of. I’m weening myself off the system slowly and concentrating on the physical world.

[@Firstmanphotography]

I reckon its worse.....these algorithms actually promote and encourage the insults and abuse. I think this has badly warped the discussion around freedom of speech online.

[@matusmisik_photography]

Big true 👍,well done. We need to enjoy going outside and living us life.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Yes we do

[@Alister_Benn]

Couldn't agree more, my days on Social Media are numbered.

[@kenbuckley2211]

It's getting the same here on KZbin, the constant adverts, are driving me away from watching videos like yours. I cannot afford to go ad free, and although I have Adblock installed they still keep coming. So I like that I can watch your videos on your website, rather than KZbin. Keep the videos coming.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Yep, i really hope value for value will take over. I've been trying to grow this on my website to the point where I can go without sponsors, but the number of people willing to support creators directly is limited. It's a big ethos changed but when it works its amazing.

[@donleemc3]

I hope you keep posting videos I love your videos and your photos are gorgeous. Keep it up!

[@whafrog]

Really resonates what you are saying. I started taking photography seriously about 8 years ago, and I had hopes and dreams of getting good enough to start posting on Instagram (back when it was photo-centric) and whatnot to build a following. It didn't take long to realize I wasn't good enough yet, but I did commit to a photo blog every month or so, just to "vent" and share with family and friends. Now the social media industry has completely changed, and even if I feel I've improved enough, just thinking about posting on Instagram and the like leaves a bad taste in my mouth. So I totally missed the window, but ... what did I really miss? It's morphed into a toxic wasteland of streamers and prankers showing the worst of humanity, why would I go there for art? Instead I'll continue with the blog, which is fun to do, and maybe try to get my stuff into local art events. Seems more realistic, and a lot more healthy.

[@danu6718]

Excellent, again. Inspiring. I love the process of nature photography. Thank you.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Many thanks!